Facts about Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
- 11
Harley-Davidson's Shovelhead engine, produced from 1966 to 1984, earned its nickname from the shovel-shaped rocker covers that resembled kitchen utensils.
- 10
Between 1969 and 1972, Harley-Davidson's merger with American Machine and Foundry Company nearly destroyed the brand's reputation as quality control deteriorated and engine reliability issues plagued models during this period.
- 09
Harley-Davidson's 1948 Panhead model introduced the first hydraulic valve lifters on a motorcycle engine, eliminating the need for manual valve adjustment and setting a new industry standard.
- 08
Harley-Davidson's Street 750 motorcycle, launched in 2014, was specifically engineered and manufactured in India to compete in emerging markets while keeping production costs significantly lower than American-made models.
- 07
Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee factory has operated continuously since 1910, making it the oldest motorcycle manufacturing facility still in use by its original company.
- 06
Harley-Davidson riders' club HOG, founded in 1983, grew to over 1 million members worldwide by the 2010s, becoming the largest motorcycle enthusiast organization globally.
- 05
Harley-Davidson trademarked the distinctive exhaust sound of their V-twin motorcycles in 1994, making it the only motorcycle manufacturer to own a sound patent.
- 04
Harley-Davidson motorcycles sold to the U.S. military during World War II exceeded 90,000 units, making the company a crucial defense contractor alongside its civilian production.
- 03
Harley-Davidson's iconic bar-and-shield logo has remained virtually unchanged since 1910, making it one of the oldest continuously used motorcycle brand emblems in the world.
- 02
The iconic Harley-Davidson engine produces its distinctive deep rumble because the V-twin cylinders fire at 315-degree intervals instead of the typical 360 degrees.
- 01
In 1903, William Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, establishing what became an iconic American brand.